The Green Bay Packers looked close to unstoppable during the 2011 regular season but Aaron Rodgers and the cheeseheads were humbled by the N.Y. Giants in a 20-37 loss in the 2nd round of the playoffs. The 2012 Green Bay Packers will have their nucleus intact but subtle changes have been made. The bookmakers have the Packers as the 2012 Superbowl Odds favorites but the loss of veteran safety Nick Collins and left tackle Chad Clifton could be damaging. Our NFL picks experts took a closer look at the Pack to see if they are the same  mean green machine that they were in 2011. The 2012 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Odds have them at +600 ($1000 to win $6000) on the moneyline.

NFL Picks Analysis: Aaron Rodgers is probably the best QB in the NFL and his receiving corps is arguably the best at their position as well. The Packers blew up scoreboards in 2011 at a 35+ points per game clip and should go at least 30+ again this season. Their is a big void at left tackle with fringe starter Marshall Newhouse protecting Rodgers blindside however so matching 35+ PPG could be a challenge. Starting RB Ryan Grant is also departed and will be replaced by powerful but injury prone James Starks. Former QB coach Tom Clements will also have the controls to his first NFL offense as a coordinator.  The 2012 Green Bay Packers NFC Odds are listed at -250.

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The defense is led by OLB Clay Matthews who is one of the best in the game at the point of attack. Matthews had a down year in 2011 however and the defense as a whole looked very average. Green Bay will need a better effort from DT B.J. Raji who dominated as a rookie but looked like “just a guy” last year. the Packers grabbed six players in the draft to boost the defense so blown assignments could be an issue for coordinator Dom Capers. The special teams units play at a high level with a secret weapon in PK Mason Crosby.

Green Bay is still a Super Bowl contender that can gunfight with any team with Aaron Rodgers but the defense will let them down. The young players on D will need time to develop and this year’s team has more holes than last year’s version.

NFL Predictions Forecast: 11-5

Brad Marchetti

Brad "Einstein" Marchetti is a sports media member that has won various Sports Handicapping contests online. Marchetti is regarded as one of the sharpest Football and Fight Handicappers in the country.